Legislative Activity

The "We Can't Wait Act of 2026" allows individuals to receive Social Security disability benefits during the mandatory five-month waiting period by opting for a permanent, actuarially calculated reduction in their future monthly payments. This legislation provides applicants with greater financial flexibility while ensuring the long-term fiscal neutrality of the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund.

The Respect for Local Communities Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to obtain formal consent from local government officials and state leadership before acquiring, building, or modifying any immigration processing site or detention center. The bill mandates comprehensive impact assessments, public notice periods, and economic reviews to ensure transparency and local oversight. Ultimately, federal agencies are prohibited from proceeding with such projects without a signed agreement from the affected local jurisdiction.

This Act establishes an advisory committee to study and make recommendations on improving the transmission of location information for calls made to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The committee will examine policy, technical standards, and funding needs related to providing dispatchable location data for 988 calls. It must submit its findings and legislative recommendations to Congress and the FCC within one year of enactment.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Additionally, the bill mandates that voters present a valid photo ID to cast a ballot in person or by mail. These measures aim to ensure that only eligible U.S. citizens participate in federal elections.

The After Hours Child Care Act establishes the Child Care and Development Innovation Fund to improve access to child care for parents working nontraditional hours. This pilot grant program will provide funding to expand or create child care options for those working evenings, nights, or weekends. The goal is to support workforce participation and economic stability for these parents.

The Repair Abuses of MSP Payments (RAMP) Act establishes a private right of action allowing individuals to sue group health plans that fail to make primary payments or provide appropriate reimbursement as required by law. This legislation strengthens enforcement by creating a direct legal recourse against non-compliant plans.

This bill, the "Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act," aims to reduce fraudulent payments by improving information sharing between the Social Security Administration and the federal Do Not Pay working system. It mandates cooperation to use death data to prevent and recover improper benefit payments. The legislation also establishes standards for recording deaths and requires notification if an individual is incorrectly flagged as deceased.

This concurrent resolution commemorates the 15th anniversary of the tragic January 8, 2011, Tucson, Arizona, shooting. It honors the six individuals who lost their lives and recognizes the survivors, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. The resolution reaffirms the importance of civility in democracy and Congress's dedication to preventing gun violence.

This resolution officially recognizes January 2026 as National Mentoring Month to raise awareness and encourage the expansion of quality mentoring programs nationwide. It highlights the significant benefits mentoring provides for youth development, academic success, and community strength. The bill also acknowledges the vital role of volunteer mentors and supports efforts to close the gap for the millions of young people currently without one.

This resolution officially designates the week of February 2 through 6, 2026, as "National School Counseling Week." It recognizes the vital role school counselors play in supporting students' academic, social-emotional, and career development. The measure aims to increase public awareness of the essential services school counselors provide despite often facing high student-to-counselor ratios.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove a recent rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning "Reproductive Health Services." If enacted, this resolution would nullify the VA's September 9, 2024, regulation, rendering it without legal effect.

This resolution honors the life, achievements, and legacy of former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. It recognizes his distinguished service in the Air Force, his Olympic athletic career, and his historic tenure in the U.S. Congress. The resolution specifically highlights his landmark legislative accomplishments, including establishing the National Museum of the American Indian. The Senate expresses its sorrow and will recess as a mark of respect for his memory.

The Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act establishes a grant program to help rural hospitals improve their cybersecurity defenses through technology upgrades, training, and professional services. The bill also mandates the creation of a comprehensive cybersecurity workforce development strategy tailored for rural healthcare settings. Furthermore, it requires the development and distribution of free instructional materials to train hospital staff on fundamental cybersecurity practices. Implementation of this Act must utilize existing appropriated funds.

The Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act of 2026 establishes a special base pay system for Bureau of Prisons correctional officers, increasing their base pay by 35 percent. This pay increase applies to officers whose duties primarily involve inmate custody and supervision, and also grants a 35 percent wage increase to certain lower-graded hourly employees involved in inmate contact. The new pay authority is set to terminate after five years unless a review by the Department of Justice Inspector General shows measurable progress in reducing the use of non-custodial staff for officer duties and excessive mandatory overtime.

This Senate resolution strongly condemns the recent rise in ideologically motivated attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions across the United States, including specific violent incidents in Colorado and Washington, D.C. It reaffirms the Senate's commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence. The resolution calls for thorough investigation of these acts and urges leaders to speak out against all forms of religious and political intimidation.

The Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act aims to improve support for postsecondary students with disabilities. It standardizes the types of documentation colleges must accept to verify a student's disability status and requires institutions to increase transparency regarding accommodations. Additionally, the bill authorizes funding for a national technical support center and mandates that colleges report key data on enrolled and graduating students with disabilities.

This resolution observes the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. It expresses gratitude for the bravery and essential work of the U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police Department, and all Capitol personnel who defended the building and ensured the continuation of government functions. The resolution also reaffirms a commitment to protecting American democracy and the Constitution.

The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical funding programs for counties containing federal lands through fiscal year 2026. This legislation ensures the continuation of secure payments and resource advisory committee authorities established under the original 2000 Act. It also streamlines payment elections for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 by carrying over the previous year's choice. Finally, the bill includes technical corrections to improve the administration of these rural support programs.

The PBM FAIR Act establishes new fiduciary duties and strict compensation disclosure requirements for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) under ERISA. This legislation specifically deems PBMs as fiduciaries when they manage drug networks, process claims, or negotiate rebates on behalf of group health plans. Furthermore, the bill prohibits PBMs from being indemnified against liability for breaching these new fiduciary responsibilities.

The Biosimilar Inspection Modernization Act of 2025 mandates the development of a risk-based inspection schedule for facilities manufacturing biosimilar biological products to prioritize public health protection. It also requires the FDA to update inspection processes, increase the use of remote assessments, and develop a strategic plan for improving domestic biosimilar facility oversight. Furthermore, the bill calls for a public meeting and report on expanding the use of mutual recognition agreements for international inspections.